Richard Gasquet

Sebastian Baez

The veteran will not be able to prevail. The young Argentine will start the match better and win the first set

Gasquet is performing well this season. At 35, Richard reached the quarter-finals in Montpellier in 2022 and then the quarter-finals at the Challenger in Phoenix. Most recently he reached the quarter-finals of the Marrakech Open. In his opening match in Estoril, Richard faced Tommy Paul. Before the match started bookies considered the American the clear favourite. Paul started the match very well and got a fast break in the first set. But then Gasquet showed his character and won in two games (7-5, 6-2). In the second round the Frenchman had another sensation. This time Riccardo was able to beat Hugo Dellien, a 28-year-old Bolivian. No one really thought much of Gasquet, but the veteran has once again proved himself. What will happen next? Baez reached the quarter-finals for the third time this season. The Argentine has previously managed to do so in Cordoba and Santiago. What's more, in Chile Sebastian even reached the final, but failed to win the title. In the decisive bout he lost to Pedro Martinez Portero. The Latin American began his journey in Estoril with an easy 6-1, 6-3 victory over Joao Sousa. His next opponent was Marin Cilic. The Argentine floundered in the opening set, but still managed to change the course of the match. As a result, the Croat was beaten 1-6, 6-1, 6-4. Gasquet is a very uncomfortable opponent on the mainland. Riccardo is very good on the surface. He is capable of causing problems to any opponent. His previous matches in Estoril with Paul and Dellien proved it. But the Frenchman is no match for Baez. Sebastian is faster and more prepared. Bookmakers think that the Argentine is a clear favourite for a reason. Experience is experience, but Gasquet's age will show itself in the upcoming match. Everything will show at the beginning of the match. Baez will seize the initiative straight away and force his opponent to make mistakes. Most likely, in the first game the French veteran will not be able to withstand the pressure and quickly give up his serve. There is no need to doubt the Argentine's success. The bookmakers' odds are absolutely fair. No sensation will happen. Sebastian will outplay his opponent at the start of the match. Gasquet will not have the strength to stop a confident 21-year-old opponent after two tough matches against Paul and Dellien. We should bet on Baez to win the first set.